The Raiders’ 3-1 start has changed the conversation fast. A team that was supposed to spend 2026 near the bottom of the NFL and maybe land a top-10 draft pick now looks like it belongs in the playoff mix, and that shift could push them into buyer mode before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
That doesn’t mean the Raiders are suddenly shopping every name on the roster. Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins were once seen as possible trade chips, but Crosby’s chances of being moved have dropped sharply, and there’s no certainty Cousins loses his job this season.
If Las Vegas does look to add, the most obvious spots are clear: wide receiver and defensive line.
On the receiver front, ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed to the Raiders as a team that should be searching aggressively.
“The Chiefs should poke around. But the other team I think should be turning over whatever rock it can to find wide receiver help is the team Kansas City barely beat on Sunday - the surprising 3-1 Raiders,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote this week.
One name that has been floated around the league is Marvin Harrison Jr., though people around the Raiders have reportedly cooled that idea. There are said to be some reservations about Harrison Jr. inside the building, but if the price is low enough, GM John Spytek could still decide to take the swing.
Other possible receiver names to monitor include Jerry Jeudy, Brian Thomas Jr. and Chris Godwin.
The defensive line is another spot that could draw attention if the right player becomes available. Malcolm Koonce has outperformed expectations through four weeks, but he’s been used mostly as a passing-situation player in Rob Leonard’s defense and won’t be a free agent until after the 2026 season.
A more intriguing fit would be Khalil Mack, who would slot naturally into the rotation with Koonce. Mack is 35 years old and still has some juice, but a deal would not be simple. The Chargers would be a tough partner, and Mack is due a little more than $18 million this year.
He’s a long shot to return to Silver & Black, but it’s still the kind of idea that makes sense to dream on.
Another edge name to watch is Kayvon Thibodeaux. After Brian Burns’ season-ending injury, he was expected to take on a bigger role in New York, but through four games he has just one quarterback hurry. The former No. 5 overall pick from Oregon had 11.5 sacks in 2023, but he has only eight sacks since then.
There has already been trade chatter around Thibodeaux, and while it’s not clear the Giants would move him for a late-round pick, it would make sense if they don’t plan to re-sign him.
Josh Sweat is another possible target. He’s been in trade rumors for a while, he’s just one year removed from a 12-sack season, and at 29 he’s the same age as Crosby. Sweat also comes with longer-term baggage: he has two more years left on his contract after the 2026 season.
There’s one other area the Raiders could consider if Ashton Jeanty keeps having trouble staying healthy: running back. Still, the clearest needs on the roster remain wide receiver and defensive line.
And as for Cousins, his trade value has apparently risen over the past few weeks. Moving him is probably the last thing on John Spytek’s mind right now, but in a few weeks he could be worth a mid-round pick to a contender in desperate need of a quarterback.
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